Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he will not wind back the clock on abortion law should he become prime minister, and argues his personal evolution has been in a ”reassuring” direction for progressives, reports the Age. He said while others in parliament could have personal views as leader he cannot. For article (No U-Turn on Abortion: Abbott, |Katherine Murphy, Oct 21,2011: http://www.theage.com.au/national/no-uturn-on-abortion-abbott-20111020-1mac5.html

A new website and facebook page has been launched which aims to share stories and experiences from homosexual couples. On Oct 12 homosexuals are planning to take their stories to Canberra. Gay and Lesbian Equality (WA) is looking particularly for activists residing in the electorates of Moore, Pearce, Curtin, Hasluck, Brand and Perth to join them in going to Canberra. GALE will assist in paying for the trip. Organisers say that research shows that the best way for someone to become a supporter of homosexual marriage is through a personal story – knowing someone who is affected, and what changing the law would mean to them. For website: http://mymarriagestory.com.au/share-your-story/

The WA Labor party voted in favour of homosexual marriage with the support of WA Labor leader Eric Ripper, John Hyde and Alannah MacTiernan. Joe Bullock spoke against the move. Mr Bullock said: “Marriage is special because it provides a stable, balanced environment for children raising. Homosexual relationships are naturally and necessarily infertile; it’s not marriage.” For story by Josh Jerga, WA Today, 25 June, 2011: http://www.watoday.com.au/national/wa-labor-backs-samesex-marriage-20110625-1gl5z.html

Volunteers for the Family Violence Service to support victims of family and domestic violence are sought to work in Armadale, Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland, Perth and Rockingham. People need to commit a minimum two days per month, to work alongside professional staff. EOI close 30 June 2011. For more contact Megan or David from the Department of the Attorney General 9425 2850.

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare “The health and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: an Overview 2011” shows the large disparities that exist between whites and aboriginals. Nearly half of all Indigenous children were living in jobless families in 2006 – 3 times the proportion of all children in Australia. For report press release: http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737418995